Ensure Storm Resilience with Proper Roofing Repairs and Maintenance

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

We delve into the importance of keeping your roof in top shape, especially before storm season hits, and provide actionable tips for homeowners.

When it comes to safeguarding your home from the wrath of nature, your roof stands as the first line of defense. Regular roofing repairs and maintenance are essential to ensure your home’s resilience against storms. Here, we delve into the importance of keeping your roof in top shape, especially before storm season hits, and provide actionable tips for homeowners.

The Importance of Pre-Storm Roofing Maintenance

Routine roofing maintenance is crucial in preventing minor issues from escalating into significant problems during a storm. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, over 90% of roof leaks and failures are due to improper installation or lack of maintenance. This staggering statistic highlights the necessity of regular inspections and timely repairs to avoid costly damages.

Key Roofing Repairs for Storm Preparedness

1. Shingle Inspection and Replacement
• Why It’s Important: Damaged or missing shingles can lead to leaks and structural damage. Inspect for cracked, curled, or missing shingles and replace them promptly.
• How to Do It: Conduct a visual inspection from the ground or hire a professional for a comprehensive check.
2. Gutter Cleaning and Repair
• Why It’s Important: Clogged gutters can cause water overflow, leading to roof and foundation damage. Clean gutters ensure proper water drainage during heavy rains.
• How to Do It: Remove debris from gutters and check for leaks or sagging sections. Repair or replace damaged gutters as needed.
3. Flashings and Sealants
• Why It’s Important: Flashings protect seams and joints from water intrusion. Damaged or deteriorated flashings can be a weak point during storms.
• How to Do It: Inspect flashings around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Reapply sealants or replace flashings if they show signs of wear.

Preventative Measures for Long-Term Roof Health

• Regular Inspections: Schedule bi-annual roof inspections to catch issues early. Consider professional inspections after severe weather events.
• Trim Overhanging Branches: Trees can cause significant damage during storms. Trim branches that hang over your roof to minimize the risk.
• Attic Ventilation: Ensure your attic is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup and prolong your roof’s lifespan.

When to Call a Professional

While some maintenance tasks can be handled by homeowners, others require professional expertise. If your roof is older, shows extensive damage, or if you are unsure about the repairs, it's best to consult a roofing professional. They can provide a thorough assessment and perform necessary repairs to ensure your roof can withstand the next storm.

Conclusion

Investing in regular roofing repairs and maintenance is a proactive way to protect your home from storm damage. By addressing minor issues before they become major problems, you can ensure your roof remains resilient against the forces of nature. Remember, a well-maintained roof not only safeguards your home but also provides peace of mind during storm season.

For more information on roofing maintenance and to schedule an inspection, contact SERVPRO® today. Stay safe, stay prepared, and ensure your roof is storm-ready!

Weathering the Storm: Pet Owners' Guide to Storm Damage Preparedness

5/12/2024 (Permalink)

As responsible pet owners, ensuring the safety and well-being of our furry companions during severe weather events is paramount. From hurricanes to tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, storms can pose significant risks to both humans and animals alike. In times of crisis, being prepared can make all the difference in safeguarding the lives of our beloved pets. In this blog, we'll explore essential tips and strategies for pet owners to effectively prepare for and navigate storm damage scenarios, ensuring the safety and security of their four-legged family members.

Understanding the Risks

Before diving into storm preparedness, it's essential to understand the potential risks and hazards that storms pose to pets. These may include:

• Injury from flying debris or collapsing structures
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding
• Separation from owners during evacuation or displacement
• Stress and anxiety due to loud noises and unfamiliar environments

Key Steps for Pet Owners' Storm Damage Preparedness

• Create a Pet Emergency Kit:
• Assemble a comprehensive pet emergency kit containing essential supplies to sustain your pet for at least 72 hours.
• Include items such as food, water, medications, veterinary records, leashes, collars with ID tags, and a carrier or crate.
• Customize your emergency kit based on your pet's specific needs, such as dietary restrictions, medical conditions, and comfort items like toys or blankets.
• Develop a Pet Evacuation Plan:
• Identify pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or boarding facilities in your area that accept pets during emergencies.
• Plan evacuation routes and transportation options for safely evacuating with your pet, considering any special requirements or mobility challenges.
• Practice evacuating with your pet to familiarize them with the process and reduce stress during actual emergencies.
• Ensure Proper Identification:
• Ensure that your pet has up-to-date identification, including a collar with a tag containing your contact information and a microchip with current registration details.
• Keep recent photos of your pet in your emergency kit to aid in identification in case of separation.
• Consider using a GPS tracking device or app to monitor your pet's whereabouts during evacuation or displacement.
• Secure Your Home:
• Prepare your home for potential storm damage by securing windows, doors, and outdoor structures to prevent pets from escaping or being injured by debris.
• Designate a safe area within your home where pets can take shelter during storms, such as an interior room or basement.
• Keep emergency supplies readily accessible, including food, water, and medications, in case you need to shelter in place.
• Stay Informed:
• Stay informed about weather forecasts, evacuation orders, and emergency alerts issued by local authorities.
• Monitor news updates and social media channels for information on storm conditions and evacuation procedures.
• Follow trusted sources of information and avoid spreading rumors or misinformation that could cause unnecessary panic.

Storm damage preparedness for pet owners is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of our furry companions during severe weather events. By taking proactive steps to create emergency kits, develop evacuation plans, ensure proper identification, secure your home, and stay informed, pet owners can minimize risks and navigate storm damage scenarios more effectively. Remember, your pets rely on you for their safety and security, so prioritize their needs and include them in your emergency preparedness plans. With careful planning and preparation, you can weather the storm together with your beloved pets by your side.

When and Where Hurricanes are Most Likely to Occur

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Two main factors cause most hurricanes during this active season:

1. Warm ocean waters (80 degrees or higher).

2. Weak vertical winds (little change in wind direction and speed with height).

This is the season with the highest frequency of west-moving weather disturbances in the tropics that develop into hurricanes.

The difference between a hurricane, cyclone, and typhoon is location! In different regions, people refer to thunderstorms as hurricanes, while people near the equator in Africa and Australia refer to them as cyclones.

If your home or business is effected by hurricane activity this season, call SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene. We'll work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."

Wind Damage and What Happens After

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Protection From Wind Damage

Many areas of the United States have experienced heavy winds and storms this season, and the strong, powerful winds can cause significant damage to your home. Wind damage can result in a range of destruction to your property, from broken windows and fallen tree branches to severe damage to your roof, garage, or car. SERVPRO of North Tampa/ Magdalene is “Here to help” with storm restoration and storm damage protection before disaster strikes. We’re available 24/7 at (813) 694-9082. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of harm to your home when severe weather hits your property.

Preventing Wind and Storm Damage 

It is easy to feel overwhelmed when a massive storm is approaching. SERVPRO® of North Tampa/ Magdalene can assist in storm damage prevention to help you prepare for the storm. By taking precautions to protect your home, you can ease your mind and reduce the strain on your wallet. 

• Secure any potential debris around your home such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, and other objects. 
• Keep up with regular tree maintenance, trimming dead limbs and removing weak trees, to reduce the likelihood of structural damage. 
• Bolt your doors and windows with foot and head bolts; and reinforce your garage door and tracks. 
• Ensure your roofing system has anchored trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the building in a strong wind. 
• Install a roof covering that will protect the structure from high winds and impact from hail and other debris. 

Mitigating Damage After a Storm

A major storm or hurricane can cause extremely high levels of stress. SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene is “Here to help” and to lessen the emotional burden on you and your family. It is our top priority to make you and your family feel safe and cared for. We have identified these three key steps you can take immediately after a storm occurs.  

1. Review and Assess the Damage 
2. Contact SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene 
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider 

Before you begin inspecting the damage to your home, check local news to make sure that your area is safe. Watch out for downed power lines and other hazards such as broken glass, standing water, and collapsing roof materials. Look around your property for holes in the roof, broken shingles, dents in gutters, and split seams. 

Once you have assessed the damage, call SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene at (813) 694-9082. We are available 24/7 and are committed to responding immediately to your flood or storm damage emergency. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene can access resources from 1,700 Franchises across the state and country and even utilize Disaster Recovery Teams for major storms and disasters.

If you have insurance, you should contact your provider as soon as possible. We will work closely with you and your insurance to find the best approach to your storm restoration. 

Contacting a storm damage restoration professional and your insurance provider as soon as the storm is over is imperative to limit secondary damage and restoration costs. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is “Here to help.” Contact us 24/7 at (813) 694-9082. 

Florida homeowners are no stranger to hurricanes and the damage that they can do to homes and communities. Some liken the water damage from a hurricane to that of a flood from a typical rainstorm, but the former is so much worse.

Flood damage in Tampa, Florida, results from a hurricane bringing water and salt from the ocean. Brackish water is hazardous, and it has the potential to create havoc on your home's structure and your possessions. Hurricane flood damage is severe and needs action immediately.

When salt comes into contact with wire insulation, metals, concrete, zinc, and other materials commonly used in homes, it's corrosive. Also, saltwater conducts its charge that increases the likelihood of power outages and electrical shock. A home damaged by saltwater decomposes faster if left sitting. The foundation, walls, flooring, and decorative stone and brick of your home will start to break down and be costly to repair the longer the problem persists.

Contacting experienced professionals, such as our team at SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene, is key to protecting your home after a hurricane. It isn't easy removing saltwater from home; First, washing with freshwater before pumping can start. As time ticks before repairs commence, your home is vulnerable to water damage.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Taking quick action is key to mitigating flood damage after a hurricane. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is dedicated to helping local homeowners with speed and precision. If your home requires repair or assessment after a storm, call us at (813) 694-9082 for a quote or additional information regarding our services.

Does My Tampa Home Need Microbial Contamination Cleaning?

9/18/2022 (Permalink)

What is mold?

Mold growing in your North Tampa home is a form of microbial contamination. Other types of microorganisms that affect a building are bacteria, viruses and protozoa.

Do I have mold in my home?

Mold growth can spread rapidly through a seed or spore. Mold spores come in many varieties, spread quickly, and can be invisible. This makes sense, because the word “microbial” refers to microbes, or microorganisms too small for the naked eye to see. So while mold can manifest itself in visible ways, some of it cannot be seen until many days after its initial contamination.

Mold spores can become an issue, regardless of geographical location, because microbial contamination may come from:

• outside rain water
• a flood
• a sewer disaster
• bat or bird fecal matter
• decaying animals
• plumbing failures
• a roof leak, etc.

Still, microbial growth is especially prone to areas with high humidity which happens because mold is living, relying on moisture to spread. When a mold spore lands on a piece of damp organic matter, it absorbs the matter and grows. Microbes can grow on dust in carpets, inside walls, on wood, on paper, in foods or insulation.

What to do if I notice mold?

In some cases of mold contamination, it may be necessary to remove structures (drywall, ceiling tiles, flooring) in order to allow access to the source. If toxic mold spreads, SERVPRO has many practical solutions for mold remediation. 

If you suspect microbial contamination, contact SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene at (813) 694-9082 for 24/7 service. 

Protection from Wind Damage

9/4/2022 (Permalink)

Preventing Wind and Storm Damage 

It is easy to feel overwhelmed when a massive storm is approaching. SERVPRO of North Tampa/ Magdalene can assist in storm damage prevention to help you save time while preparing for the storm. By taking precautions to protect your home, you can ease your mind and reduce the strain on your wallet. 

• Secure any potential debris around your home such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, and other objects. 
• Keep up with regular tree maintenance, trimming dead limbs, and removing weak trees, to reduce the likelihood of structural damage. 
• Bolt your doors and windows with foot and head bolts, and reinforce your garage door and tracks. 
• Ensure your roofing system has anchored trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the building in a strong wind. 
• Install a roof covering that will protect the structure from high winds and impact from hail and other debris. 

Mitigating Damage After a Storm

A major storm or hurricane can cause extremely high levels of stress. SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene is “Here to help” and to lessen the emotional burden on you and your family. It is our top priority to make you and your family feel safe and cared for. We have identified these three key steps you can take immediately after a storm occurs.  

1. Review and Assess the Damage 
2. Contact SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene 
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider 

Before you begin inspecting the damage to your home, check local news to make sure that your area is safe. Watch out for downed power lines and other hazards such as broken glass, standing water, and collapsing roof materials. Look around your property for holes in the roof, broken shingles, dents in gutters, and split seams. 

Once you have assessed the damage, call SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene at (813) 694-9082. We are available 24/7 and are committed to responding immediately to your flood or storm damage emergency. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene can access resources from 1,700 Franchises across the state and country and even utilize Disaster Recovery Teams for major storms and disasters.

If you have insurance, you should contact your provider as soon as possible. We will work closely with you and your insurance to find the best approach to your storm restoration. 

Contacting a storm damage restoration professional and your insurance provider as soon as the storm is over is imperative to limit secondary damage and restoration costs. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is “Here to help.” Contact us 24/7 at (813) 694-9082.

SERVPRO Mitigates Water Damage After a Storm

9/4/2022 (Permalink)

Florida homeowners are no stranger to hurricanes and the damage that they can do to homes and communities. Some liken the water damage from a hurricane to that of a flood from a typical rainstorm, but the former is so much worse.

Flood damage in Tampa, Florida, results from a hurricane bringing water and salt from the ocean. Brackish water is hazardous, and it has the potential to create havoc on your home's structure and your possessions. Hurricane flood damage is severe and needs action immediately.

When salt comes into contact with wire insulation, metals, concrete, zinc, and other materials commonly used in homes, it's corrosive. Also, saltwater conducts its charge that increases the likelihood of power outages and electrical shock. A home damaged by saltwater decomposes faster if left sitting. The foundation, walls, flooring, and decorative stone and brick of your home will start to break down and be costly to repair the longer the problem persists.

Contacting experienced professionals, such as our team at SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene, is key to protecting your home after a hurricane. It isn't easy removing saltwater from home; First, washing with freshwater before pumping can start. As time ticks before repairs commence, your home is vulnerable to water damage.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Taking quick action is key to mitigating flood damage after a hurricane. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is dedicated to helping local homeowners with speed and precision. If your home requires repair or assessment after a storm, call us at (813) 694-9082 for a quote or additional information regarding our services.

When and Where Hurricanes are Most Likely to Occur

8/28/2022 (Permalink)

When and Where Hurricanes are Most Likely to Occur

Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June 1st to November 30th. However, storms outside of these dates aren't unheard of. Activity ramps up in August, usually peaking in September and again in October.

Two main factors cause most hurricanes during this active season:

1. Warm ocean waters (80 degrees or higher).

2. Weak vertical winds (little change in wind direction and speed with height).

This is the season with the highest frequency of west-moving weather disturbances in the tropics that develop into hurricanes.

The difference between a hurricane, cyclone, and typhoon is location! In different regions, people refer to thunderstorms as hurricanes, while people near the equator in Africa and Australia refer to them as cyclones.

If your home or business is effected by hurricane activity this season, call SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene. We'll work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."

Approximate The Distance To Lightning Strike: Know How To Prepare for Storms

7/17/2022 (Permalink)

Know How To Prepare for Storms

Nationally, lightning ranks second only to flash floods in weather-related deaths. Lightning is the most frequent important weather threat to personal safety during the thunderstorm season. Since the threat of lightning is so common, it is typical that many have a lackadaisical approach to protecting themselves. The main reason is that people stay outside too long as thunderstorms approach or form nearby. 

For example, during the early part of the thunderstorm season, "dry" thunderstorms are quite common. With these types of thunderstorms, little or no precipitation reaches the ground and, as a result, people are less likely to seek shelter.  See lightning facts below for statistics on lightning events. 

• The air near a lightning strike is heated to 50,000 ° F, that is hotter than the surface of the sun!
• The average flash could light a 100-watt light bulb for more than 3 months.
• Lightning occurs with all thunderstorms.

While most lightning casualties occur at the beginning of an approaching storm, a significant number of lightning deaths occur after the thunderstorm has passed.  If thunder is heard, then the storm is close enough for a lightning strike.  DO NOT wait for the rain to start before seeking shelter, and do not leave shelter just because the rain has ended. 

You can approximate the distance of lightning!

Did you know you can approximate the distance a storm is from you but counting the time between the flash of lightning and the thunder sound that coincides with the lightning flash? That means you can, at your own home, with minimal supplies, figure out how far a lightning strike is from you!

1. You Ears
2. Your Eyes
3. A watch with a second counter or a phone

From the time you see lightning, it will take the sound of thunder 5 seconds to travel 1 mile. To approximate the miles a strike is from you, count the seconds between the flash and thunder, divide by 5!

For example, if you see a flash of lightning, start a stop watch and hear a large crash of thunder 5 seconds after the flash, your lightning is only 1 mile away! Anything less than 5 seconds is definitely close, so seek cover!

It's not raining, is there still danger from being struck by lightning?

YES!  Lightning often strikes outside of the heavy rain area and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.

Will the rubber soles of my shoes or tires on my car protect me from being struck?

NO! However, the steel frame of a hard-topped car provides a sort of Faraday Cage or Faraday shield. This increases protection if you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside the car than outside. When skies darken, or thunderstorms are forecast, look and listen for increasing wind, flashes of lightning, sound of thunder, and static on your AM radio.  While no place is safe from lightning, some places are much safer than others. 

Where you can go…

• Get inside a house or large shelter
• Remain clear of tall, isolated trees and telephone poles
• If possible, move to a sturdy building or hard top automobile
• If you are caught outside, away from shelter, you need to get to a place of safety as quickly as possible. If safe shelter is not possible, lie down on low lying ground or in a ditch.
• If boating or swimming, get out of boats and away from the water, get to land and find shelter immediately

What you can do...

• Watch for signs of an approaching thunderstorm
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation
• REMEMBER, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning

If your home or property has been damaged by severe winds, water, or storms—call SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene for a free damage restoration estimate.

How to Reduce Pet Stress During a Storm: Evacuation Plan

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these simple measures to reduce your pet’s stress.

Plan For Your Pets

Inclement weather or fires can happen with or without notice. Creating an emergency plan can help prevent damage to your home and belongings and protect you and your loved ones - including pets! When putting a plan together, it’s important to plan for their needs as well. 

Make an Evacuation Plan

Remember, if you must evacuate due to an emergency, the area is likely not suitable for your pets either. Your evacuation plan should consider where your pets will be taken, if not kept with you, and how best to transport them. Make a list ahead of time of pet friendly hotels or friends’ houses along your evacuation route and near your final destination. Know that some hotels and shelters do not accept animals. 

You also might want to build an emergency travel kit for your animals. This will save time and worry when you must evacuate. 

Items to include in your pet's emergency kit:

• A completed Emergency Pet Passport containing important information like your pets’ veterinarian contact info, medical needs, license/chip info, photos, etc.
• Leash, harness, and carrier with blanket to transport animals
• A few portions of a suitable non-perishable food, water bowl, bottled water, and can opener
• Cat litter and pan or bags for excrement
• Medications
• Toys

Don’t Have to Evacuate? 

If evacuation is not necessary, there are still some things you can do to reduce your pet’s stress in an uncomfortable situation like a thunderstorm.

Pet Stress Symptoms

Pets may exhibit signs of stress and anxiety that can be alleviated by simple measures. Some of these symptoms include whimpering, hiding, pacing, or shivering. These symptoms may be caused by a variety of factors including pets’ greater sensitivity to sounds and air pressure.

As stress increases, symptoms may become more severe. Follow these simple measures to reduce your pet’s stress:

• Remain calm as an owner
• Create a comforting space for them in a smaller room like a closet or under a blanket
• Close blinds and curtains
• Keep them in their normal routine, if possible

Read more storm and pet related articles here.

How to Prepare for Atlantic Hurricane Season?

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Prepare for Atlantic Hurricane Season

Atlantic hurricane season runs roughly from June 1 thru November 30 each year, with September holding the spot for the peak hurricane month. While, technically, hurricanes can wreak havoc any time of the year, this is the time to be on your guard the most. With that said, there are several ways to prepare for these storms during the off-season so you are not caught unawares.

Stock Up on Essentials

You'll want to prepare for the loss of electricity and the ability to cook by stocking up on water, bread, non-perishables and items you can eat without heating. Also, make sure you have:

• Extra batteries for flashlights or headlamps,
• Portable chargers and cables for cell phones,
• Candles with matches. 

Check Your Insurance

If you live in a hurricane-prone region, make sure your insurance covers flooding and other expenses you may incur because of a Tampa hurricane.  

Make a Video of Your Home

If your home is damaged from hurricane winds and water, a home inventory video will help prove the pre-storm state of your home and make insurance claims processing easier. It would also be beneficial to make electronic versions of important documents related to your home and your personal information in case the originals are destroyed in the storm. Include digital files of documents such as your:

• Birth certificate
• Driver's license
• Home's deed
• Social security card

Protect Your Property

Install hurricane shutters or plywood of at least 3/4 inches in thickness. You may need to install hurricane clips to secure the roof of your home to the walls. This is important in areas that may receive a direct hit, and install foot and head bolts on all doors.

Make an Evacuation Plan

When it is time to evacuate, go. Make a plan for where you and your family will stay at least 50 miles from your Tampa home. If you can, pre-pack a bag before the threat of an Atlantic hurricane is severe. Load it with clothes, blankets, food, water, electronics and important papers or photos.

Conclusion

Don't Take Risks. Ultimately, people are more important than things. People hurt in hurricane weather evacuate late or stay in their homes altogether. Be wise and get out early. Prepare in order to mitigate panic and this kind of risky behavior. 

We are a Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

We live and work in this community; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated cleaning, damage restoration, and construction business, SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is a proud and active member of this community and is ready to respond to your Tampa home emergency 24/7/365. Call us today at (813) 694-9082.

.

How to Identify Tornadoes During a Hurricane

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricanes Can Create Favorable Conditions for Tornadoes

The thought of a tornado touching down in a community during a hurricane is a frightening image. Most people have seen movies or television shows where tornadoes have caused mass destruction and significant property damage. Watching it in action on the big screen or television is disheartening enough, let alone experiencing the situation first-hand. Living through a tornado and seeing the devastating impact on a community is a humbling experience. If you haven't experienced a tornado, it is necessary to understand how to identify them and react appropriately. Your safety and others depend on your ability to identify tornadoes.

Perhaps the most obvious and known characteristics of a tornado is a funnel cloud. During violent hurricanes, meteorologists observe the development of favorable conditions for tornadoes. Classic signs of an impending tornado include dark skies, large hail pieces falling to the ground, and a dark sky that appears green. People who have witnessed actual tornadoes tend to report a similar claim of hearing a loud noise that resembles a train outside the window. The tornado itself is a rotational cloud that forms in the sky and may or may not touch down on the ground. If the rotating funnel cloud loses formation, it can develop again. Strong, structured funnel clouds may be a single cloud formation that may spur off into another one. This is important to remember if the clouds appear to diminish. As they disappear, they can re-emerge without warning.

Understanding the apparent signs of a tornado is essential for safety. Seek immediate shelter in the lowest-lying area of the home or business, such as a basement. Avoid being near windows and glass doors due to shattering. Cover your head with pillows if they are accessible to protect your head and face. You must be aware that everyday household objects fly with the wind if the windows or doors break. These objects can become airborne and cause interior property damage and bodily harm.

Seek immediate shelter when an emergency message occurs. Don't drive your vehicle towards a clear twister to photograph the tornado, as this could be a fatal mistake. Tornadoes cause mass destruction, harm people, destroy property, and wipe miles of communities, housing developments, businesses, farms, and roads. It's crucial to recognize that personal safety is the top priority. Since violent storms, such as hurricanes, can spawn tornadoes with little or no warning, everyone needs to know how to identify tornadoes.

As a storm and water damage restoration leader, SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home to its pre-storm condition. Call today at (813) 694-9082.

Find Your Leaky Roof Source Quickly

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

After a significant storm, it's a good idea to inspect your damaged property as quickly as you can. Your home's main line of defense is your roof, and it takes a beating. Pay attention to dings in your gutters or tears in your window screens, which indicate hail damage. You may also see missing shingle tiles from the ground, but those don't always represent a need for whole roof replacement. Usually, the leak is coming from a more minor roof feature.

At SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene, we:

• Find the source of the leak
• Stop the leak &
• Clean the water damage.

Find the Leak

During storms in Florida, wind damage can let rain in through your roof. From the inside, look for water stains on your ceiling and walls that indicate the leak.

Common places to see leaky roof damage:

1. Vents and fans
2. Chimneys
3. Window dormers
4. Vent pipes
5. Unsecured nails and nail holes

Dealing with Water Damage

1. Check for discolorations and rotting wood, wet drywall and insulation.
2. If you haven't found mold, start drying any wet materials immediately. Complete drying is critical to preventing mold, and it may take longer than you realize. 
3. If you find mold, remain careful to not spread it during cleanup. Mold grows on wet, damaged materials in as little as 48 hours. A mold remediation professional creates a containment area while working on the water and mold damage. Specialists have monitoring equipment that they use to ensure materials are dry.

For more assistance, call a local construction, restoration, and mold remediation crew like SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene at (813) 694-9082.

SERVPRO Mitigates Water Damage After a Storm

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is dedicated to helping local homeowners with storm damage with speed and precision.

Florida homeowners are no stranger to hurricanes and the damage that they can do to homes and communities. Some liken the water damage from a hurricane to that of a flood from a typical rainstorm, but the former is so much worse.

Flood damage in Tampa, Florida, results from a hurricane bringing water and salt from the ocean. Brackish water is hazardous, and it has the potential to create havoc on your home's structure and your possessions. Hurricane flood damage is severe and needs action immediately.

When salt comes into contact with wire insulation, metals, concrete, zinc, and other materials commonly used in homes, it's corrosive. Also, saltwater conducts its charge that increases the likelihood of power outages and electrical shock. A home damaged by saltwater decomposes faster if left sitting. The foundation, walls, flooring, and decorative stone and brick of your home will start to break down and be costly to repair the longer the problem persists.

Contacting experienced professionals, such as our team at SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene, is key to protecting your home after a hurricane. It isn't easy removing saltwater from home; First, washing with freshwater before pumping can start. As time ticks before repairs commence, your home is vulnerable to water damage.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Taking quick action is key to mitigating flood damage after a hurricane. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is dedicated to helping local homeowners with speed and precision. If your home requires repair or assessment after a storm, call us at (813) 694-9082 for a quote or additional information regarding our services.

Protection from Wind Damage

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

Many areas of the United States have experienced heavy winds and storms this season, and the strong, powerful winds can cause significant damage to your home. Wind damage can result in a range of destruction to your property, from broken windows and fallen tree branches to severe damage to your roof, garage, or car. SERVPRO of North Tampa/ Magdalene is “Here to help” with storm restoration and storm damage protection before disaster strikes. We’re available 24/7 at (813) 694-9082. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of harm to your home when severe weather hits your property.

Preventing Wind and Storm Damage 

It is easy to feel overwhelmed when a massive storm is approaching. SERVPRO of North Tampa/ Magdalene can assist in storm damage prevention to help you save time while preparing for the storm. By taking precautions to protect your home, you can ease your mind and reduce the strain on your wallet. 

• Secure any potential debris around your home such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, and other objects. 
• Keep up with regular tree maintenance, trimming dead limbs, and removing weak trees, to reduce the likelihood of structural damage. 
• Bolt your doors and windows with foot and head bolts, and reinforce your garage door and tracks. 
• Ensure your roofing system has anchored trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the building in a strong wind. 
• Install a roof covering that will protect the structure from high winds and impact from hail and other debris. 

Mitigating Damage After a Storm

A major storm or hurricane can cause extremely high levels of stress. SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene is “Here to help” and to lessen the emotional burden on you and your family. It is our top priority to make you and your family feel safe and cared for. We have identified these three key steps you can take immediately after a storm occurs.  

1. Review and Assess the Damage 
2. Contact SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene 
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider 

Before you begin inspecting the damage to your home, check local news to make sure that your area is safe. Watch out for downed power lines and other hazards such as broken glass, standing water, and collapsing roof materials. Look around your property for holes in the roof, broken shingles, dents in gutters, and split seams. 

Once you have assessed the damage, call SERVPRO of North Tampa/Magdalene at (813) 694-9082. We are available 24/7 and are committed to responding immediately to your flood or storm damage emergency. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene can access resources from 1,700 Franchises across the state and country and even utilize Disaster Recovery Teams for major storms and disasters.

If you have insurance, you should contact your provider as soon as possible. We will work closely with you and your insurance to find the best approach to your storm restoration. 

Contacting a storm damage restoration professional and your insurance provider as soon as the storm is over is imperative to limit secondary damage and restoration costs. SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is “Here to help.” Contact us 24/7 at (813) 694-9082.

When and Where Hurricanes are Most Likely to Occur

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June 1st to November 30th. However, storms outside of these dates aren't unheard of. Activity ramps up in August, usually peaking in September and again in October.

Two main factors cause most hurricanes during this active season:

1. Warm ocean waters (80 degrees or higher).

2. Weak vertical winds (little change in wind direction and speed with height).

This is the season with the highest frequency of west-moving weather disturbances in the tropics that develop into hurricanes.

The difference between a hurricane, cyclone, and typhoon is location! In different regions, people refer to thunderstorms as hurricanes, while people near the equator in Africa and Australia refer to them as cyclones.

If your home or business is effected by hurricane activity this season, call SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene. We'll work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."